Buchalter is pleased to welcome Shareholder Chris Mason and Senior Counsel Christine Claffey to its Scottsdale Office. Chris is a new member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Christine joins the Real Estate Practice Group.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Chris and Christine to the Firm,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our prominent Labor & Employment Practice, and with her comprehensive experience in Real Estate Law, Christine makes an impressive addition to our robust Real Estate Practice.”

Chris counsels employers and management on all aspects of labor and employment law, including collective bargaining and union organizing; restrictive covenants; employment discrimination; sexual harassment; whistleblowing; retaliation; wrongful termination; wage and hour compliance; personnel policies; reductions in force; trade secrets; duty of loyalty; drug and alcohol testing; and other state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

He is also an experienced litigator, representing clients in Arizona, federal, and appellate courts, as well as before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Arizona Civil Rights Division, and the Department of Economic Security.

“Buchalter’s reputation in the Labor & Employment field made the firm a perfect fit to facilitate the growth of my practice,” said Chris. “I am excited to introduce my clients to the top-tier services the firm provides.”

Christine focuses her practice on commercial real estate leasing and has over 20 years of experience representing landlords and tenants across all asset classes, including office, retail, industrial, and lab. She also has significant experience representing clients in other commercial real estate matters, including acquisition, disposition, and financing transactions.

“Chris and Christine are fantastic additions as we continue to grow our full service platform in Arizona,” said Scottsdale’s Office Managing Shareholder, Craig Cartwright. “We anticipate additional lateral hires in the very near future.”

Michael Best is pleased to announce the addition of Bethany Martinez to the firm as the Chief Talent & Administration Officer. Martinez will be based in the firm’s Chicago office.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Martinez will work alongside the leadership team to oversee and implement core policies and processes related to people, culture and workplace inclusiveness. Specifically, she will be responsible for overseeing the Human Resources, Administration, Professional Development, DEI and Recruiting operations.

“Bethany’s extensive experience in the professional services industry combined with her proven record of success makes her the ideal person to lead our talent and operations functions, two areas of critical importance for providing top-level service and value to our clients,” said David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner. “She has successfully demonstrated her ability to help organizations adapt and thrive in dynamic market conditions, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the firm.”

Martinez joins the firm’s executive c-suite alongside the chief growth officer, chief financial officer, chief innovation & technology officer and chief business improvement officer. Prior to joining Michael Best, Martinez held several leadership roles at Ernst & Young and the global law firm Baker & McKenzie spanning over the last twenty years.

Martinez received her B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management from Roosevelt University and her M.S.H.R. from Loyal University of Chicago.

Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery LLP will present a free webinar, “Discretionary Denial and Beyond: Recent Developments in AIA Trial Practice,” featuring Fitch Even attorneys Paul B. Henkelmann and Brian P. Herrmann.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, July 27 at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 10:00 a.m. MDT / 11:00 a.m. CDT / 12 noon EDT.

Since the introduction of inter partes review proceedings in 2012, AIA trial practice has been constantly evolving and the USPTO has signaled that big changes may be ahead. Starting with the USPTO director’s 2022 memorandum issuing guidance on discretionary denial practice and continuing up to the Office’s recent Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, this webinar will give attendees an overview of the latest precedent affecting AIA trial practice from the PTAB and the Federal Circuit, as well as current practice guidance and potential future rulemaking issued by the USPTO.

During this webinar, our presenters will address these topics and more:

-Recent guidance and proposed changes to discretionary denial procedures
-The latest notable decisions from the PTAB and the Federal Circuit affecting AIA trial practice
-A summary of proposed changes to AIA trial practice issued by the USPTO

CLE credit has been approved for California and Illinois and is pending in Nebraska. Other states may also award CLE credit upon attendee request. There is no fee to attend, but please note registration is required.

To reserve your place, please REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3394429222066916949

Outside GC Introduces a New Role into the Legal Ecosystem

Firm marks 20+ years in business with an updated brand identity

BOSTON–Outside GC, a law firm of veteran attorneys that augment in-house legal teams and provide early-stage companies with a business-first approach to lawyering, today announced its new brand identity and will now be known as OGC. This change emphasizes OGC’s unique service offering in the legal ecosystem and the opportunity that the firm provides companies of all sizes to add an important new role for managing their ever-increasing legal and regulatory workload – the “OGC.”

This new role combines the best elements of traditional legal service strategies to create something that has been missing, an option that offers: (1) the business mindset of an in-house lawyer; (2) the breadth and depth of an outside law firm; and (3) the flexibility of an alternative legal services provider (ALSP). “General counsel, CFOs, and CEOs see the value in partnering with attorneys who are experienced, efficient, and work as in-house counsel do: in strategic alignment with larger business objectives,” says Amy Jeffrey, managing partner at OGC. “But finding the right resources is a challenge and adding internal legal headcount is not always an option.” The OGC represents a fourth model for doing legal work and a solution to those resourcing challenges.

“OGC is much more than an outside law firm to our business. They are a trusted partner that understands the legal issues and risks facing us and are able to give advice through an in-house lens,” commented Amiel Gross, general counsel at Center for Breakthrough Medicines.
“Adding an OGC to our roster has been incredibly valuable, not just for the experience and efficiency our lawyer brings, but also for the way he has become an integral part of our team. Working with an OGC is like adding another in-house lawyer with the benefit of outside perspective and depth.”

OGC’s unique structure allows highly experienced, partner-level attorneys to align closely with clients while still delivering cost effectiveness, expense predictability, and flexibility. All OGC lawyers have practiced law for a minimum of 15 years, including in senior in-house roles, and have experience in a wide variety of industries and practice areas. High-caliber lawyers join OGC because they value the close alignment between business and legal that comes with being an in-house attorney, and also enjoy the variety of work that an outside law firm offers.

“Since 2002, our mission has been to offer the best of all worlds to our clients and to our attorneys by providing a unique option for procuring legal services and enabling our partners to practice law on their own terms,” adds Jeffrey. “I look forward to the day when the term ‘OGC’ is as ubiquitous as GC, AGC or DGC.”

About OGC
OGC is a unique law firm that offers the relationship and experience of a traditional law firm with the cost savings and speed of an alternative legal services provider. By combining top-notch legal talent and significant business acumen, our OGCs deliver the value and efficiency of an in-house lawyer, without adding to our client’s headcount or sacrificing quality. With 100+ attorneys, OGC serves companies of all sizes either as a fractional general counsel or as a seamless extension to an existing legal department. OGC’s approach is simple: We offer practical legal advice with less over-lawyering. To learn more, visit OutsideGC.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2023) – Bruce Buchanan, a special counsel attorney in the Nashville office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been reappointed to the American Immigration Lawyer Association’s (AILA) Verification and Documentation (V&D) Liaison Committee for the 2023-2024 year. Buchanan has been a member of the V&D Liaison Committee for the last three years and previously served during the 2015-2016 term.

Founded in 1946, the ALIA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, voluntary national bar association that provides continuing legal education, professional services, information and proficiency to more than 16,000 members through its 39 chapters and more than 50 national committees. The ALIA’s V&D Liaison Committee liaises with the Department of Homeland Security, the Immigration and Employee Rights (IER) Section of the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO) on matters involving employment verification, Form I-9 documentation requirements, immigration and customs enforcement efforts, OCAHO issues, and more.

Buchanan is a member of Littler’s Immigration Practice Group and counsels employers on immigration compliance issues and on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspections and audits. He has significant experience with matters related to employment-based visas, asylum and frequently handles I-9 compliance issues. Before focusing on immigration, Buchanan served as senior trial specialist for the NLRB for 20 years. In his employment and labor law practice, Buchanan focuses on counseling clients on union-filed representation petitions, representing employers in collective bargaining, and advising on wage and hour and Family and Medical Leave Act matters.

Additionally, Buchanan regularly writes and speaks on immigration compliance issues for employers. This year, he spoke at the AILA Annual Conference on immigration customs and enforcement of I-9 audits, Littler’s Executive Employer Conference on immigration issues, and the AILA Georgia | Alabama Chapter Conference on immigration compliance issues. Buchanan is also the co-author of the I-9 and E-Verify Handbook and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

Buchanan earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.S., magna cum laude, from Florida State University.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

###

NEW YORK — June 27, 2023 — Epiq announced today it has won the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

“Compliance is top of mind for our clients deploying Microsoft solutions,” said Doug Mazlish, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances at Epiq Legal Solutions. “Having the collective Epiq team recognized by Microsoft as the global compliance services leader underscores our position as the trusted advisor of choice. Epiq’s longevity of experience in eDiscovery, legal, and compliance services – combined with our technology expertise and relentless focus on client needs – solidifies our role as the go-to Microsoft compliance provider.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognizes Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Epiq was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in compliance.

Epiq provides services aligned to Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Priva product portfolios, enabling clients to address the growing challenges of managing their data estate in the age of digital transformation and hybrid work. Epiq specializes in data migrations, information governance, eDiscovery, and data lifecycle management to provide tangible business outcomes for clients.

“Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. “The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year’s winners demonstrate the best of what’s possible with the Microsoft Cloud.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company’s global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2023-_announcement. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/inspire/awards/winners.

About Epiq
Epiq, a global technology-enabled services leader to the legal industry and corporations, takes on large-scale, increasingly complex tasks for corporate counsel, law firms, and business professionals with efficiency, clarity, and confidence. Clients rely on Epiq to streamline the administration of business operations, class action, and mass tort, court reporting, eDiscovery, regulatory, compliance, restructuring, and bankruptcy matters. Epiq subject-matter experts and technologies create efficiency through expertise and deliver confidence to high-performing clients around the world. Learn more at www.epiqglobal.com.

E-Signatures Evolution: Unlocking a New Era of Efficiency and Convenience

The Rise of E-Signatures: A Game-Changer in the Digital World

In recent years, electronic signatures, commonly known as e-signatures, have rapidly gained popularity across various industries. With their ability to streamline document signing processes, eliminate the need for physical paperwork, and enhance remote collaboration, e-signatures have revolutionized how businesses operate. However, the evolution of e-signatures is far from complete. In this article, we will delve into the exciting advancements and prospects of e-signatures, exploring how they will continue to shape the digital landscape.

Advancements in E-Signatures

1. Improved Security Measures for Enhanced Trust
   • Robust encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication
   • Blockchain technology for tamper-proof transactions
2. Integration with Advanced Biometrics
   • Facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and voice authentication
   • Heightened security and reduced risk of identity fraud
3. Simplified User Experience and Accessibility
   • User-friendly interfaces and intuitive signing processes
   • Seamless integration with popular document management platforms

The Future of E-Signatures

1. Expansion of Global Acceptance and Legal Frameworks
   • Increasing recognition and adoption by governments worldwide
   • Standardization of regulations to ensure cross-border validity
2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
   • Intelligent document recognition and automated form filling
   • AI-powered authentication and fraud detection algorithms
3. Enhanced Mobile Capabilities and Cross-Platform Compatibility
   • Mobile-first e-signature solutions for on-the-go signing
   • Seamless integration with various operating systems and devices

The Benefits of E-Signatures

Unlocking Efficiency, Convenience, and Sustainability

E-signatures offer a myriad of benefits for businesses and individuals alike. By embracing e-signature technology, organizations can:

• Save time and resources by eliminating the need for printing, scanning, and shipping physical documents.
• Accelerate decision-making processes through real-time collaboration and instant signing.
• Improve customer experiences by enabling hassle-free remote signing from any location.
• Reduce environmental impact by minimizing paper usage and carbon footprint.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements.

Embrace the Future of Signatures with Confidence

As e-signatures continue to evolve, they transform how we conduct business and interact with documents. The advancements in security measures, integration with biometrics, and simplifying user experience all contribute to a future where signing documents becomes seamless, secure, and efficient. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the transformative power of e-signatures, businesses can enhance productivity, improve customer experiences, and contribute to a more sustainable world. Embrace the future of signatures confidently and unlock a new era of efficiency and convenience.

Foley Expands Latin America Cross-Border Corporate Offerings with Addition of Two Partners in Miami

MIAMI – Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it has further enhanced its cross-border capabilities with the addition of Ruben Diaz and Federico Goudie in Miami. Diaz and Goudie, who respectively join the firm’s Transactions and Finance Practice Groups, bring decades of experience advising companies, particularly those operating within Latin American markets, in a wide array of corporate and transactional matters.

“Foley’s corporate team is continually finding new paths for strategic growth,” said Steven Vazquez, chair of Foley’s Business Law Department. “Ruben and Federico are well-regarded domestically and internationally for their work on complex corporate matters and add invaluable Latin America cross-border corporate experience to the firm’s already dynamic transactional and disputes service offerings in the region. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.”

Diaz has significant experience advising on cross-border investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate finance, as well as international arbitration and dispute resolution. He has worked across key industries, including banking and finance, agribusiness, food and beverage, energy, health care, real estate, and technology.

Goudie advises international financial institutions, multinational corporations, and sovereigns in capital markets transactions and structured and trade financings, project financings, and derivative transactions. In addition, he counsels his clients in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and general corporate and commercial matters.

“Ruben and Federico are welcome additions to our team,” said Leslie Smith, managing partner of Foley’s Miami office. “Their Latin American networks and deep cross-border experiences amplify our existing team’s reputation for unparalleled client service as Miami continues to expand its prominence as a global business hub.”

“The combination of Foley’s collaborative culture, commitment to client service, deep bench, and widely recognized experience in assisting clients with inbound, outbound, and cross-border matters, will provide a superior platform to serve existing clients and allow us to continue to grow our practices,” said Diaz and Goudie. “We are excited to join the team.”

About Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the energy, health care and life sciences, innovative technology, and manufacturing sectors. We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 25 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to IP work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, Foley has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve.

SAN FRANCISCO (May 10, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Richard H. Rahm as a shareholder in its San Francisco office. Rahm, who was a Littler shareholder from 2006 to 2021, rejoins the firm from DLA Piper. He previously co-chaired Littler’s Appellate Practice Group and was a core member of its Transportation and Class Action Practice Groups.

Rahm has more than 30 years’ experience representing employers in complex wage-and-hour class action litigation and jury trials, state and federal appeals, and arbitrations. He has extensive experience in the transportation sector, including representing trucking companies, airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Rahm’s clients have also included companies in the retail, franchising and financial services industries, as well as staffing agencies and state governmental agencies.

“As new employment and labor laws come into effect in California, Richard’s decades-long experience with high-profile wage-and-hour litigation and his deep knowledge of key industry sectors, especially retail and transportation, will be invaluable to our clients,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Having also welcomed back shareholder Laurent Badoux in Phoenix this month, it’s exciting to see familiar faces return ‘home’ to Littler – it’s truly a testament to our firm culture and strong global platform.”

Rahm’s practice covers a wide range of wage-and-hour disputes, including claims related to employee misclassification, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and wage statement requirements. He has in-depth experience in defending claims arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act, California Labor Code, California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Rahm also advises employers in connection with claims involving public labor issues, defamation and other employment-related torts, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract and wrongful termination.

“Given California’s outsized economic and regulatory influence, Richard’s grasp of the state’s employment laws and track record with the region’s major industries make him an important part of our office,” said Constance Norton, office managing shareholder of Littler’s San Francisco office. “Our clients will once again benefit immensely from his skills and insights, and we are excited to have him back on the team.”

Rahm is a frequent speaker and author on issues related to class action disputes. He has written a number of articles on the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, FAA, PAGA and other wage and hour issues arising under the California Labor Code. Rahm is also a regular speaker at conferences and webinars held by the American Trucking Association (ATA) and the California Trucking Association. He has been a principal organizer for several years of the ATA’s annual Motor Carrier Class Action Roundtable.

“Having spent 15 years at Littler, it’s a pleasure to return and once again work alongside my superb colleagues in San Francisco and across Littler’s global offices,” said Rahm. “I look forward to drawing on the firm’s vast resources and labor and employment law knowledge to deliver superior employment counsel to my clients.”

In addition to his legal practice, Rahm is a past Chair and current Board Member of the Special Olympics of Northern California and Nevada and is the Immediate Past President of the California Supreme Court Historical Society. He received his J.D. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley – School of Law, his M.Litt. in Legal Philosophy from the University of Oxford, and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.
###

Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Jason Myers joined the firm as a partner in Houston. With wide-ranging transactional experience, Myers focuses his practice on finance, commercial real estate, and economic development. His experience as outside counsel at Am Law 100 firms includes specialized projects in the energy, public-private partnership, and corporate sectors.

Merrick Benn, Womble Bond Dickinson’s Vice Chair (US) and Capital Markets Practice Group Leader, said: “Jason is a versatile lawyer who will thrive in our collaborative culture. Not only does Jason’s skill set expand our finance and real estate capabilities in Texas, but it will also further deepen our already first-in-class financial sector offerings across the firm’s international platform.”

Jeffrey Whittle, Global Head of Energy and Natural Resources and Houston Managing Partner, said: “Jason’s multi-perspective experience throughout Texas and at the national and international levels will be a valuable asset to our growing Houston office, particularly as supporting clients’ evolving needs in today’s global marketplace continues to be a strategic priority for the firm.”

Stephanie Yarbrough, Womble Bond Dickinson’s Economic Development Team Leader, added: “Jason’s finance background, private equity experience, and tenure at other Am Law 100 firms will tremendously benefit our economic development clients. His Texas-based practice adds further geographic diversity to our nationwide presence, and we are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Myers regularly advises clients on complex, high-profile matters. Notable transactions include serving as the primary lease drafter for a professional football stadium; developing, financing, and leasing a shopping center in Sarajevo; and handling the origination and material modifications of over $22 billion in corporate and fund credit facilities and real estate financing transactions.

“Womble’s impressive roster of national and international clients and their complex legal needs present an opportunity to leverage my comprehensive experience in finance, real estate, and business operations,” said Myers. “Furthermore, the Womble lawyers I have worked with throughout my career have always been first-rate, and I am proud to call them now my esteemed colleagues.”

In addition to private practice, Myers spent over a decade in in-house legal and business positions. He served as a senior counsel and director at a globally integrated asset manager operating in the private equity space focused on real estate, credit, equity, and other financial assets. He also led the financial services legal team providing coverage for the treasury (credit facilities) and global markets (derivatives transactions and related regulatory matters) internal business groups. Prior to practicing law, Myers served as a vice president of asset management for a real estate developer and independent power producer, with responsibilities including financial modeling, regulatory and covenant compliance, and investor relations.

Myers joins Womble from Wick Phillips Gould & Martin in Dallas. He earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and M.A. in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Your company is considering a CLM solution to digitally transform your contract management, but choosing the right platform is just the first step. After consulting stakeholders and selecting the technology, you don’t truly cross the finish line until the solution is effectively managing your contracting process AND adopted by end-users.

Join us for a 60-minute webinar to hear our experts discuss a proven and pragmatic 4-phase implementation model to get your contract management solution onboarded and adopted so that you can effectively leverage the technology to mitigate risk, increase compliance, and streamline your processes.

We’ll walk you through each step, including how to:

-Plan: Determine your CLM requirements, priorities, success criteria, and target go-live timeline
-Configure: Learn best practices for establishing users, roles, and access, as well as building out automated workflows, the contract request or intake process, and clause and template libraries
-Confirm: Test the configuration and make any last-minute adjustments
-Deploy: Provide training and access to users

You can’t afford a contentious, drawn-out, or even failed, CLM implementation. Learn the critical steps to set up your contract management solution for success.

Brouse McDowell is pleased to announce the election of Nicholas P. Capotosto to the firm’s Executive Committee.
This is Nick’s second term on the Executive Committee, having previously served from 2015-2017. Nick is Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and has been with Brouse McDowell for the entirety of his legal career. Nick represents clients in litigated matters, and he has extensive experience in business and shareholder disputes, enforcing non-competition agreements, and defending against product liability claims. Nick has handled large, complex probate and estate litigation involving high net worth clients and closely held businesses. Nick also has extensive experience in matters involving title insurance policies and real estate disputes. Clients have called upon Nick to represent them in high stakes litigation matters in state and federal courts all over the United States. Nick served in the U.S. Air Force and attained the rank of Captain. He earned his BS from the United States Air Force Academy, his MBA from Western New England College and his JD, cum laude, from The University of Akron School of Law.

(June 8, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been named the Top Firm for Diversity in the Yale Law Women+ (YLW+) Top Firms Report 2023. Through the report, YLW+ aims to raise awareness of inequities within the legal profession and highlight the progress being made in the industry. YLW+ honors individual firms for excelling in categories that relate to overall workplace equity. Littler also received an honorable mention in the Advancement category.

“We take great pride in our culture that prioritizes inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D), and we are thrilled to receive this recognition from YLW+ for our ongoing efforts,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “This recognition underscores the importance of cultivating a workplace where individuals are empowered to succeed. Through our intentional IE&D initiatives, we strive to provide an environment where attorneys can achieve their careers goals, from leadership to partnership and everything in between.”

Littler was selected for the Diversity award based on an assessment of the firm’s overall attorney diversity, hiring and retention outcomes and initiatives (such as summer diversity programs), and diverse representation in firm leadership.

The report noted that “Littler excels in attracting and, more importantly, retaining diverse attorney. The firm is also a leader when it comes to promoting diverse attorneys to leadership positions.”

In the Advancement category, Littler was rated based on training, mentorship, and review policies, with a focus on how the firm creates equitable opportunities for associates to interact with supervisors and shareholders. Additionally, how Littler facilitates advancement opportunities for diverse attorneys, such as through affinity networks and promotion outcomes, was also considered.

Littler supports the development and advancement of women and diverse attorneys at every level of the firm through several innovative and meaningful IE&D initiatives, including its award-winning Career Advocacy Program, SOAR Program, Women’s Leadership Initiative and affinity groups, among others. As a result, numerous attorneys serving in firm leadership positions – including on the firm’s board of directors, as office managing shareholders and as practice and industry group chairs – identify as women or diverse. Additionally, 100% of the members serving on Littler’s Management Committee, the firm’s highest governing body, are women or diverse.

Over the past year, Littler has received several other recognitions for its diversity efforts, including recently being named one of the top five best law firms for women and diversity by Seramount. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report and on Littler.com.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

###

Tampa, Fla., June 2, 2023 –RumbergerKirk partner Rob Blank has been selected to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a national organization of experienced trial lawyers and judges. The organization and its members are dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to a civil jury trial as provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and preserving the independence of the judiciary.

Blank joins fellow RumbergerKirk partners Bud Kirk, Dan Gerber and Scott Sarason as members of this distinguished, invitation-only organization. Members must have a minimum of five years of active experience as a trial lawyer, tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion and practice with civility, integrity and professionalism.

“I am deeply honored to be invited into ABOTA. This is an organization which shares the exact same values I have always strived to achieve as a trial lawyer,” said Blank. “I have admired the local ABOTA lawyers and judges throughout my career and am thrilled to now be a part of this select group of professionals,” he added.

Blank, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, concentrates his practice in the defense of product liability and casualty cases. He defends automobile manufacturers, industrial equipment manufacturers, power tool manufacturers, commercial food equipment manufacturers and beverage companies against claims of alleged product defect resulting in catastrophic injury and/or wrongful death. He also defends theme parks, water parks, trucking companies, beverage companies, retailers and other businesses against various tort claims.

“In an era when civil trials are becoming less frequent, Rob continues to take cases to trial with excellent results for his clients. He has built a robust trial practice over the last 30 years and his amazing success is a result of his extraordinary work ethic and dedication to his clients,” said Frank Sheppard, managing partner at RumbergerKirk.

Learn more about ABOTA

RumbergerKirk provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, commercial litigation, construction, real estate, intellectual property litigation, securities litigation, labor and employment law, bankruptcy, insurance coverage, professional liability and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama.

BALTIMORE (June 7, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Keith O. Hinder Jr. has joined the firm’s Real Estate group in Baltimore. Hinder represents clients in commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase, sale, financing, development, and leasing of all types of commercial properties. He is also an experienced litigator, representing clients in real estate litigation, tax appeals, general commercial litigation, construction litigation, and insurance coverage matters.

“Keith has spent his entire career practicing in Maryland, giving him a uniquely deep understanding of the state’s real estate landscape,” said Barry Herman, Managing Partner of the Baltimore office. “His diverse experience representing clients in both commercial real estate transactions and litigation matters will further benefit our clients, and we could not be more pleased to welcome him to Womble.”

Active within the legal and real estate communities, Hinder is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, NAIOP Maryland, and the Urban Land Institute. Since 2018, he has been selected to the Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Stars List.
Hinder joins Womble from Niles, Barton & Wilmer. Before private practice, he served in several in-house positions, including Claims Litigation Counsel at GEICO Insurance Company. He started his legal career as a law clerk to former Judge Thomas E. Marshall of the Maryland Third Circuit Court in Harford County.

Hinder earned his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and B.A. from Gettysburg College.

We are pleased to announce that the 2023 edition of Chambers USA recognized Brouse McDowell for Insurance: Policyholder (Ohio) for the fourth year in a row and for Healthcare (Ohio) for the second year in a row.
The firm earned a Band 1 ranking in the Insurance: Policyholder (Ohio) category, and ranked Paul Rose as a leading practitioner in Band 1 for Insurance.
Chambers notes that the team “[r]uns the gamut of policyholder representation, acting for domestic and international companies across a range of industries. The firm’s extensive recovery capabilities include environmental, construction and crime coverage claims. It is also noted for its strength in areas such as product liability and construction lines.”
A Chambers source mentions that Brouse McDowell “is a go-to firm,” while another source notes that “[t]he attorneys have all been incredibly adept and capable of handling complex issues and breaking down those issues for us in an understandable way.”
The firm also earned a ranking in the Healthcare (Ohio) category, with three attorneys ranked as leading practitioners:
Daniel K. Glessner
Laura F. Fryan
Christopher M. Huryn

Chambers notes that this is an “esteemed group whose expertise is leant upon by a broad stable of healthcare industry clients, including hospitals, physicians groups and sector-specific IT companies. The team’s diverse expertise includes in healthcare transactions, licensing matters and related regulatory issues.”
Chambers’ sources note that “[t]he depth and breadth of Brouse McDowell’s team is very strong. They also provide great service and are always on top of latest topics and discussions within the healthcare industry” and that “[t]he practitioners have an excellent ability to grasp the situation and show excellent communication.”
The firm also earned a new individual ranking in the Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Ohio) category for Marc B. Merklin, Chair of the Business Restructuring, Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Practice Group, who was recognized for the first time by Chambers USA.

Each year, Chambers USA ranks the top lawyers and law firms across the United States. The rankings are assessed by an experienced team of researchers to provide reliable and trusted recommendations to purchasers of legal services. Multiple factors are considered in determining rankings, including the level of experience in a particular practice area and jurisdiction, client service, industry knowledge, awareness of client issues, standards of professional conduct, depth of team, and value for the money. This extensive research process includes interviews with those active in the market – mainly clients and other lawyers with whom they work – and an evaluation of recent work done.
For more information on the rankings, please click here. To see all rankings and commentary for Brouse McDowell, click here.

(June 6, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has earned a nationwide Band 2 ranking for Labor & Employment in the Chambers USA 2023 guide by Chambers and Partners. Additionally, 70 Littler attorneys were named as leaders in the field for Labor & Employment, as well as 50 regional offices – with the Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Minnesota, St. Louis, Tennessee and Texas offices earning a Band 1 designation.

The Littler attorneys ranked in the labor and employment practice area include:

• Janell Ahnert
• Lori Alexander
• Philip M. Berkowitz
• Richard Black
• Daniel Boatright
• Jason Branciforte
• Arthur Carter
• Melinda (Mindy) J. Caterine
• Jennifer L. Ciralsky
• Patrick G. DeBlasio III
• Leslie A. Dent
• Kristine Grady Derewicz
• Jeannie M. DeVeney
• Gregory Fisher
• Adam Forman
• William H. Foster III
• Karl Fritton
• Kevin Griffith
• John Harper III
• Barry A. Hartstein
• Patrick H. Hicks
• Jay Inman
• Joshua Kirkpatrick
• Tedd Kochman
• Elizabeth A. Lalik
• Jonathan O. Levine
• Fermin H. Llaguno
• Andrea Lovell
• Eva Madison
• Patricia Martin
• Garry G. Mathiason
• LaToi Mayo
• Scott McDonald
• Michael S. McIntosh
• Alan L. McLaughlin
• Robert F. Millman
• Jacqueline Mrachek
• Marko Mrkonich
• Terrence H. Murphy
• Jeff Nowak
• George O’Brien
• Shannon Patton
• Kristy L. Peters
• Jacqueline Phipps Polito
• Charles A. Powell IV
• Paul E. Prather
• David P. Radelet
• Charles (Chad) Reis
• Anthony D. Rizzotti
• Jennifer B. Robinson
• Laurie Rust
• Lisa (Lee) A. Schreter
• Theodore A. Schroeder
• Jonathan Shapiro
• Douglas Smith
• Jeremy Sosna
• Jay D. St. Clair
• Jason R. Stanevich
• Eric Stevens
• David Strock
• Jennifer Fox Swain
• Daniel Thieme
• Tanja L. Thompson
• Jessica T. Travers
• Daniel E. Turner
• Richard Wallace
• Erin Webber
• Constance H. Weber
• Harry W. Wellford Jr.
• Amy Ryder Wentz
• Wayne S. Yoshigai

Littler also earned a Band 2 nationwide ranking in the E-Discovery & Information Governance and the Occupational Safety and Health practice areas. Denise Backhouse, Lauren Schwartzreich and Paul Weiner received individual rankings in the E-Discovery & Information Governance practice area, with Weiner receiving a Band 1 recognition. In addition, Steven R. McCown and Alka Ramchandani-Raj earned individual rankings in the Occupational Safety and Health practice area, with McCown earning a Band 1 recognition.

Chambers USA ranks the leading lawyers and law firms across the U.S. Its legal rankings are based on in-depth market analysis and independent research, conducted by their experienced team of researchers. For more information about the methodology, visit Chambers.com.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

###

(June 1, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity” for the 14th time by Seramount, a professional services and research firm dedicated to advancing inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) in the workplace.

Littler is one of the top five firms on the list, which recognizes those utilizing best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting and developing women lawyers and – for the first time – lawyers from underrepresented groups, including people of color.

“It is always an honor to be recognized for our IE&D efforts, and we are thrilled to be included on Seramount’s list once again,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “The recognition’s expansion this year to include diverse attorneys reflects the importance of ensuring everyone has a seat at the table and can embrace their full potential – and our IE&D programs are designed to do just that.”

Littler’s suite of IE&D programs and initiatives support the advancement of women and diverse attorneys. For example, the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative focuses on developing and retaining women leaders at every level of the firm. Additionally, Littler’s award-winning Career Advocacy Program and SOAR Program, the firm’s sponsorship and mentorship initiatives, have been instrumental in advancing women and diverse attorneys.

Over the past year, Littler has received several other recognitions as a top firm for women and diverse attorneys – including Gold Standard Certification by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum, a perfect score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ+ workplace equality, and Mansfield Certification Plus from Diversity Lab, among others. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report and on Littler.com.

“I’m proud to expand our Best Law Firms for Women to include diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” said Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount. “From increasing representation of historically excluded talent to expanding upon their family-friendly benefits, our Best Law Firms are putting in the work necessary to build firm cultures where employees can thrive.”

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

###